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Relationships

Relationships

Wednesday, 6 April 2016 - 10:36am

“If a child lives with friendliness, he learns the world is a nice place in which to live . . .” ― Dorothy Law Nolte

Secure and Trusting Relationships

The relationships children form in the early years are an important part of their social and academic success. These years are critical because they mark the first transition from home to a group experience outside of the family. In fact, research tells us that the best predictor of a child’s success as an adult is their ability to get along with other children.

Children who have positive feelings about themselves and others and who know how to relate to others have a greater likelihood of becoming successful learners and responsible citizens. Our goal is to ensure that each child is given the opportunity to establish secure and trusting relationships with adults and children in the Magic Years community.

The Analogy of the Tender Plant

Children are like tender plants that need nurturing and guidance in order to grow and develop into flowering trees. We view educators as gardeners who have the warmth and patience to nurture these tender plants. The gardener cannot do this job alone. It needs the support of sunshine (the parents), rain (the environment) and fertile soil (the community). Gardeners are aware that the seed they have planted is not an empty vessel. It has the potential to grow into a mighty tree.

Building Relationships

Likewise, the three important protagonists who form an enduring partnership in the school are the teacher, the child and the parents. The strength and vitality of these relationships affects their sense of self-worth and academic readiness. Furthermore, the relationships children form with their teachers and friends during the early years leave a lasting impression on how they view school in their later years.